Scientists created an “alien” life form with six genetic building blocks instead of the usual four, allowing for more information storage. This could lead to new drugs and vaccines. Gregor Mendel conducted the first research on gene inheritance in 1866. “Junk DNA” makes up one-fifth of DNA and does not code for proteins. Humans share 7% of their genetic structure with E. coli and 98% with chimpanzees.
Scientists have created an “alien” life form that contains six artificial genetic building blocks instead of the four genetic building blocks that all living creatures on Earth possess. All organisms naturally have four letters of DNA, which direct proteins how to carry out processes within cells. Scientists engineered a bacterium with six letters of DNA, which allowed them to store more information in their cells. It is hoped that this will create the possibility of making artificial proteins that can do more jobs inside cells and allow scientists to create new drugs and vaccines.
Read more about genetics:
The first scientific research on gene inheritance dates back to 1866, by Gregor Mendel.
Up to one-fifth of DNA is referred to as “junk DNA” because it contains proteins and other materials that are inactive and do not code for any proteins.
Humans have about 7% of the same genetic structure as e.Coli bacteria and about 98% of the same genetic material as chimpanzees.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
